Does Rico Verhoeven stand a chance against Oleksandr Usyk?

Oleksandr Usyk will return to the ring this May for his latest heavyweight test - but he will find no ordinary prizefighter in the ring.

Rather than one of his more traditional rivals, the Ukrainian will enter the crossover universe against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.

The Dutchman's foray from one combat sport to another has raised plenty of eyebrows, especially with the WBC title on the line.

Certainly, his prospects have split opinion, with the star's legion of admirers hopeful he can spring a shock at the Giza necropolis.

Yet critics might be more astute when they suggest that Verhoeven's David faces an arduous task against a modern-day Goliath.

Nevertheless, as the pair prepare to descend upon Egypt, DAZN News asks - does Verhoeven stand a chance against Usyk?

A surprise package...

One only needs to look at Verhoeven's honour roll to understand why many consider him among the best stars of his generation.

Sixty-six wins and ten losses is the kind of record most kickboxers could only dream about, an eye-boggling collection of victories.

Twenty-two of those triumphs have come straight since his last reverse too, a 2015 decision loss to Andrey Gerasimchuk in China.

Verhoeven has duly established himself as the key face of the Glory promotion, retaining its heavyweight crown over a dozen times.

Glory

It comes from a wide arsenal of tricks, including a jab that has only been refined with age by none other than Tyson Fury himself.

He may have jist had one pro boxing bout before - an anonymous 2014 win over Janos Finfera - but Verhoeven is a real-deal fighter.

...or a sturdy punchbag?

Being an exceptional all-around kickboxer may require several skills to transplant - but even the best will admit it is not an easy swap.

Verhoeven hasn't just agreed to trade out half of his technical arsenal here. He's agreed to do it against arguably the best in the world.

Save perhaps Naoya Inoue, there is maybe no better active pound-for-pound fighter than Usyk, a two-division undisputed champion.

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

He has conquered every opponent placed in front of him, including fellow champions Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois so far.

Usyk may be aging out of the game on paper, but in practice, 'The Cat' is yet to show his ring IQ take any hits as he hustles his foes.

For all the talent Verhoeven brings, he effectively has one hand tied behind his back - and his opponent could take him to the cleaners.

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